Top Waterparks | International

4. Wild Wadi Dubai, United Arab Emirates

ABOUT THE PANELIST

Dan Martin is a Chicago-based consultant, managing principal of
Market & Feasibility Advisors. He has approximately 25 years of
experience with waterparks and leisure-focused aquatics and has
been named to Aquatics International ’s annual Power
25 list.

Owner:Dubai Holding (operated by the Jumeirah Group)

Year opened:1999

Size:7.5 acres

Retail price of adult 1-day ticket: $55 (approximate U.S.D.)

Staff:518 full-time, peak season

Wild Wadi is uniquely situated for a waterpark. It offers free
indoor parking and is located right on the Arabian Gulf between two
5-star hotels. One, the Burj Al Arab, bills itself as the most
luxurious hotel in the world — designed to look like a giant
sail. While much in Dubai has slowed or stalled through the
recession, Wild Wadi has continued adding attractions to a base of
rides that already included 28 rides, such as a pair of Flow Riders
(the first in the region) and one of the highest counts of Master
Blaster water coasters anywhere. Food and beverage offerings at the
park are atypical, too. In addition to several snack stands, there
are three restaurants. From a design perspective, Wild Wadi
embraces the local culture with Arabian theming throughout.